Clark is the sort of player the sport doesn't need. Banned for 'only' 32 weeks because the panel believed him when he claimed not to intentionally break Hawkins' elbow. IMO it should have been 5 years.

BathovalballerHe should never be allowed back on a rugby field IMV and was lucky not to have been sued by Rob Hawkins.
Going back a few years I am sure some of Mr Hawkins team mates would have ensured Mr Clark was truly 'sorted' out. That is what he deserved.

To me signing such an individual shows what sort of team Sarries want to aspire to. I hope no other player suffers at his hands and Saracens don't live to regret it.

So are either of you able to play devils advocate and explain what positives Saracens see in him.

The offence you are referring to was nearly 5 years ago and todays laws are significantly stricter and sanction heavier for foul play so why would the premierships top club and Champions cup holders want to sign him?

I am sure I will get abuse for this, but remember Lancaster considered him for selection and Eddie likes abrasion.

Personally, I admire aggression and toughness but not to the extent of inflicting potentially career or life consequent injuries on another player.

Mr Clark has form on that the Hawkins incident followed on some very bad behavior with his head at under 20 level if I recall rightly. It was one of the most sickening incidents I have had the misfortune to see in any contact sport and especially the one where I believe part of the game is knowing where all players respect the line between hard aggressive play and pure thuggery, especially on a man who was defenseless at the time.

He may be a reformed character and I sincerely hope he is! But to me there is always an element of doubt in such a person, and something may just trigger another incident where he seems to lose control, and do permanent damage. IMV he should have received a 10 year or lifetime ban for the Hawkins incident and he shouldn't have been allowed back on a rugby pitch after not learning from his earlier over aggressive actions. He was also very lucky RH didn't take him to Court.

At least in the past, such players often got their comeuppance on the field of play, and the prospect of such action, often kept such bad behaviour in check. In these modern 'sanitised' days, players cannot afford to do that with potential bans/litigation as well as the fact that the players are generally bigger and stronger than in the past.

From a playing point of view, he is a mobile, hard tackling and working back row who has undoubted talent. But as I said, the red mist moments are a concern to me and will be forever. Saracens appear to play on the edge and with Mr Clark in their ranks, that will appear to me that they intend to maintain that position. Good luck to them but I just hope he doesn't do anything so bad again.

Is it the player (and his agent) simply looking for a higher pay package?
Is it Saracens who think he will model their style of play and fit in with that?
Or is it Northampton who simply recognise that he could do serious damage and want to pass him on before he does?
(bearing in mind they have similar issues with D Hartley)

johnnyfWho do we think is the trigger in this transfer?
Is it the player (and his agent) simply looking for a higher pay package?
Is it Saracens who think he will model their style of play and fit in with that?
Or is it Northampton who simply recognise that he could do serious damage and want to pass him on before he does?
(bearing in mind they have similar issues with D Hartley)

I think Sarries consider him a direct replacement for Will Fraser. Presumably the glass that Clark is made of is a little tougher.

johnnyfWho do we think is the trigger in this transfer?
Is it the player (and his agent) simply looking for a higher pay package?
Is it Saracens who think he will model their style of play and fit in with that?
Or is it Northampton who simply recognise that he could do serious damage and want to pass him on before he does?
(bearing in mind they have similar issues with D Hartley)

Try the thread on the Saints forum - an interesting suggested reason there.

johnnyfWho do we think is the trigger in this transfer?
Is it the player (and his agent) simply looking for a higher pay package?
Is it Saracens who think he will model their style of play and fit in with that?
Or is it Northampton who simply recognise that he could do serious damage and want to pass him on before he does?
(bearing in mind they have similar issues with D Hartley)

Try the thread on the Saints forum - an interesting suggested reason there.

I have just read that 70 post thread and it is unclear what you are referring to, why not just link or quote your thoughts.

We record all IP addresses on the Sportnetwork message boards which may be required by the authorities in case of defamatory or abusive comment.
We seek to monitor the Message Boards at regular intervals.
We do not associate Sportnetwork with any of the comments and do not take responsibility for any statements or opinions expressed on the Message Boards.
If you have any cause for concern over any material posted here please let us know as soon as possible by e-mailing
abuse@sportnetwork.net